During the meeting, Mr. Vo Hong Phuc told Samdech Techo Hun Sen of his working meetings with the Ministry of Planning of Cambodia and the agreement between both sides for the exchanges of visits, information, human resources development and the creation of homepage on the development in triangle area of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos with the participation of Japan as well as the with the Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce for the investment issue in triangle area.

In reply, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his pleasure with the results and recommended both sides to further focus on the strengthening and consolidation of cooperation, particularly in the above-said development zone.

Foreign Minister H.E. Hor Namhong told reporters that he has no schedules to meet bilaterally with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Phirumya to discuss over Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda issue, but he will only meet him within the ASEAN meeting’s framework as usual.

H.E. Hor Namhong, who is also Deputy Prime Minister told the press yesterday prior to his departure to attend the Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, the 3rd Meeting of ASEAN Political-Security Community Council and the Special Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council, which is being held in Da Nang, Viet Nam from January 13-14.

When asked to comment on the Thai soldiers’ repeated fatal shootings over Cambodian nationals, he described the shootings by Thai soldiers towards Cambodian people as a brutal acts and stated that Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry has filed complaints and subsequently send diplomatic notes to Thailand by asking the country to resolve the issues according to the international law and respects the human rights, even if Cambodians committed wrong.

Viewing historic fact of 31 years ago, the people of Cambodia remember that on January 7, 1979, the army of the National Salvation Front of Kampuchea under the leadership of Samdech Akka Dhamma Pothisal Chea Sim, Samdech Akka Moha Punnhea Chakrei Heng Samrin and Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and other dignitaries, with help rendered by the Vietnamese volunteer army, had brought to a fall the genocidal regime of Pol Pot, and saved our nation and people from hell. It was 31 years ago, but our people have maintained their memories of the greatest and meaningful 07-January victory. People’s smile for the Victory Day has been carved everlastingly in their hearts and consciences.

After the country was liberated, the People’s Revolutionary Council of the People’s Republic of Kampuchea was established stemming from the 07-January victory and started to restore the country from scratch, and in a state of being confronted with a possible return to power of the Pol Pot’s genocidal regime. Worse still, hostile circles had imposed on the people of Cambodia, who in fact should have been responded with relief, an unjust economic embargo and political isolation, instead.

Under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party, our people, who are hard-working, have made success after successes in overcoming obstacles, while scoring major historic achievements in the course of restoring and defending the country’s socio-economic condition and preventing the return of the genocide. The People’s Republic of Kampuchea, which later was named the State of Cambodia, had fulfilled its historic task for our nation, while putting in place a prefix and basic qualifications for the creation and progress of the current Kingdom of Cambodia on the path of peace, national reconciliation, democracy and development over the past 17 years, starting from 1993.

As of now, everywhere, achievements have been realized and visible. People’s living condition has improved in a gradual manner, whereas a change to beauty of the country has been noted, and national honor and prestige has been raised high. This clearly indicates, in its forwardgoing path, that Cambodia is on the right track under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party.

The people of Cambodia are going to celebrate the year 2010 with joyfulness to commemorate the 31st anniversary of January-7 victory bearing in mind achievements in all sectors that have been realized in 2009. It is worth noting that, in 2009, Cambodia faced with a tough situation in its effort for socio-economic development as well as for national defense. World financial crisis and economic downturn which burst out in 2008 has had negative impacts on our economy, reducing the pace of our progress to lower than was expected, while causing certain impacts on our people’s living condition and efforts to fulfill our aim of poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, acts of invasion by the Siamese army over the our territorial integrity in the area of Preah Vihear, followed by inciting acts by the Siamese Government in diplomatic and other areas of concern, we have been prompted to set a share of national resources so as to firmly strengthen national defense infrastructure.

Thanks to efforts made by the Royal Government of Cambodia, despite the country has been in the most difficult and complicated context, Cambodia has continued to score positive economic growth. The country’s macro-economics as well as our people’s livelihood have sustained whereas infrastructural construction and development have continued strongly. According to estimates, rice cultivation for 2009-2010 might bring about a harvest of about 7,316,000 tons, which would be adequate for local consumption, with a surplus of about 2,094,000 tons of rice for export.

Tourism maintains a growth of two percents comparing to that was achieved in 2008. As far as garment industry is concerned, though some factories had had to close down, some new ones have also been put into operation. The Royal Government of Cambodia has set out a package of financial stimulus, policy and actions aimed especially at improving public financial management, economic diversification and vocational training for those who have lost their jobs.

The elections of the sub-national level authority/council or councils of city and/or province, of district and/or Khan have been conducted with great success reflecting constant progress on the basis of democracy, especially at the subnational level.

As far as defending our nation is concerned, the Cambodian armed forces resolutely defend our territorial integrity, especially in the area of Preah Vihear. The Kingdom of Cambodia has been voted in as a member of the World Heritage Committee, which indicates clearly our raising-high prestige in international arena as well as success of the Cambodian foreign policy. Hearing of the Khmer Rouge leaders has just wrapped up the case 001, whereas the court’s decision will be announced in early 2010, while the case 002 would soon proceed.

These achievements have been possible because of efforts made by state institutions as well as active participation by our people and various social circles for the sake of constructing and defending our fatherland.

Despite all this, opposition politicians never feel satisfied with the positive developments of Cambodia under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party. They seek all means to hinder the path of progress of the nation. And worse still, they even acted serving policies of foreign nations too. As a matter of fact, until now, they have kept silent and never condemned acts of aggression by the Siamese army on the Cambodian territorial integrity. They do not share difficulties with our soldiers who stand guarding our borders. Instead, they have instigated complicated matter on the country’s other side of the border, while echoing words of exaggeration of the Siamese leaders towards Cambodia. However, no matter what they say, the people of Cambodia have clearly understood their hidden agenda to be, and because of which they will continue to be losers.

Taking stock of achievements in 2009 and efforts made by the whole national forces, who adhere firmly the spirit of January 7 and with the correct leadership, we will achieve further successes in all fields in 2010, especially in Cambodian economic development in context of yet-to-cease world financial crisis and economic downturn because we have the following favorable conditions - firstly, a firm and lasting peace, political stability, security and social order; secondly, success of Cambodian regional and world integration that allows Cambodia to access major world and regional markets; thirdly, a partnership for development, both with private and civil society; and fourthly, a favorable macro-economic and financial environment. It is therefore enthusiastic and appropriate to affirm Cambodia’s march into 2010 with new and strong energy, bravery and confidence for further successes.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen tells a graduation ceremony held here on Jan. 12 that Thai Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva should manage Thai foreign minister if Thailand wants to make a good diplomatic relationship with Cambodia, saying that Cambodia vows to wait for a new Thai government to be formed.

The Cambodian Premier warned Abhisit against Thai foreign minister who said that Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda was built in Thai land.

He also strongly criticized the current Thai government for the lack of capacity in controlling Thailand’s internal affairs.

Information Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith holds a press conference here this morning on Humanity Program “Its Not A Dream” co-organized by the Bayon Radio and Television General Department and Metfone Company.

The above-mentioned program is aimed at providing free of charge services to search for their relatives who are still missing during the wars.

Major General Khieu Saphat, Deputy Director of Personnel Department of Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense and Colonel Nguyen Con Sen, Deputy Head of Cabinet of the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam, signs here on January 10 the minutes on the assessment results of the 2009 cooperation between the armies of the two countries Cambodia and Vietnam and the cooperation plan for 2010.

In reply, Samdech Heng Samrin welcomed the newly appointed Italian diplomat to Cambodia and expressed his believe that the new ambassador will further contribute to the strengthening and consolidation of cooperation between Cambodia and Italia.

Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance H.E. Oun Ponmonirath, President of Cambodia’s Supreme National Economic Council hands over here this morning books, 3,320 USD and 1,600,000 Riel (Cambodian Currency) from books selling “Preah Vihear Temple” to H.E. Chuch Phoeung, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and President of Preah Vihear National Authority.

The book on the “Preah Vihear Temple” was written by H.E. Hang Chuon Narong, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance, presides over this morning the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a three-storey library building at Phnom Penh’s Preah Put Mean Bon pagoda.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen meets here on Jan. 7 with US delegation led by Mr. EniFaleomavaega, Chairman of the Sub-Commission for Foreign Affairs to Asia Pacific and World Environment.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his warm welcome and pleasure with the US delegation’s visit to Cambodia and thanked US for its efforts to help Cambodia, especially providing assistance on education, HIV/AIDS, children health care and dispatched US volunteers to help Cambodia.

In reply, Mr. Eni told Cambodian premier that he will take up Cambodia’s debts issue to discuss in US congress to find a solution toward the debts’ cancellation.

Addressing the ceremony, Samdech Hun Sen said he wished to transform the National Road No-1 into the country’s economy corridor as this road is a transnational point and part of ASEAN highway as well as the Greater Sub-Mekong Region (Bangkok-Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh-Vong Tao).

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Independence, Peace, Freedom and Democracy Neutrality and Social Progress

Cambodian People’s Party

Central Committee

Speech of Samdech Akka Thamma Potisal Chea Sim President of the Senate and the Cambodian People’s Party At the Commemoration of the 31 Anniversary of the January-7 Victory

Samdech Preah Akka Moha Sangha Reachea Thibdei, Samdech Preah Reachea Gahna, and all Buddhist monks, Samdech, Lok Chumteav, honored national and international guests, Members of the meeting and national compatriots,

Today we celebrate the 31st anniversary of the great victory on January-7-1979 that saved our nation and people from the genocide disaster that was caused by the regime of Democratic Kampuchea. With this, the people of Cambodia have made their revival, survival, and progress up to the present.

Like our people in the whole country, here we celebrate a historic event to commemorate the January-7 victory that carries the most extraordinary meaning always. At the same time we bend over in respect for souls of our three million people who died miserably under the Democratic Kampuchea regime of Pol Pot and wish their souls to rest in peace.

In this blessing event, we would like to express our faith and unfathomable gratitude to Preah Karuna Preah Baat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, Preah Karuna Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the Heroic King - Father, and Samdech Preah Moha Ksatrei Norodom Munineath Sihanouk, the Heroic Queen - Mother, for their devotions of physical and intellectual forces for the nation and people of Cambodia, and staying as the supreme symbols of independence, unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national prosperity of the Kingdom of Cambodia. We wish the blessings from Preah Ratanak Trai, the world sacred objects, and the spirit in protection of the Throne, as well as those souls of the former Kings and Queens of Cambodia, for their protections with good health, strong physical and intellectual forces and long lives so as to stay as shade for every Cambodians forever.

Meeting Participants and Compatriots,

Over the past 31 years, after the victory on January 7, 1979, the people of Cambodia have striven to stand up and advance forward on a correct path, whereas creating a proud history in the cause for restoration, construction and defense of our fatherland. Still we remember always a dark period of the genocide on our people. In the period of three years, eight months and twenty days, taken power on April 17, 1975, leaders of the Democratic Kampuchea committed the most heinous crimes in all fields, while plunging the fatherland and people, who had already been destroyed heavily by a five-year war, to the edge of the abyss of complete elimination from the face of the earth.

In this most severe circumstance, only those cadres and soldiers, who are faithful to the Cambodian People’s Party, have stood together in a struggle to mobilize forces and fight against the regime of Pol Pot. The establishment of the National Front for the Salvation of Kampuchea in Snuol district, Kratie province on December 2, 1978, has become a new turning point in the struggle against Pol Pot and determined the meaning of national salvation revolution. The Front issued an historic declaration of “Eleven Points” policy bringing about energetic participation from the Cambodian people of all walks of life and support from peoples of peace and justice loving countries in the world.

On January 7, 1979, heroic army of the National Front for the Salvation of Kampuchea, with assistance rendered by the Vietnamese voluntary army, toppled the Democratic Kampuchea while liberating Phnom Penh and winning back for our people full rights and freedom. The victory of January-7 ended the darkest period of Cambodia while ushering in a new era of independence, peace, freedom, neutrality, democracy and social progress. The people of Cambodia remember always that “January 7 is their second date of birth, because if it were not for January 7, there would be no life and present condition.” Having said so, our people of all ages could not let go from memory their gratitude for the services of cadres and soldiers of the National Front for the Salvation of Kampuchea, who fought courageously and sacrificed their lives for the course of national salvation, defense of fatherland and national revival. At the same time, Cambodia forever carves in its heart invaluable services of the voluntary army and people of Vietnam, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, for their effective and timely-mannered response to the call of the people of Cambodia to overthrow the genocide and to protect our national revival.

Meeting Participants and Compatriots,

After the January-7 victory, the Cambodian People’s Party took power and led the country in a state that war and peace prevailed. Established on January 8, 1979, the People’s Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea of the People’s Republic of Kampuchea solely and legitimately represented the country and people of Cambodia, while restoring the country from zero and facing with the fact that the country was suffering an unjust economic embargo as well. At the same time, the defeated Pol Pot armed forces, as they enjoyed a lifeline of assistance, had continued war against the revival of the people in their strategic maneuver to infiltrate and topple the People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK). It was because of this that the people of Cambodia had had to shoulder two tasks altogether at once. They had to produce and restore the country in one of their hands, while taking up arms to defend the country and to prevent the return of the people’s revival in the others. Truthfully, those who oppose the people’s revival, wish to strangle the PRK to an immediate death by all means – politics, spirit, military and security, economics and diplomacy. However, all of their actions have failed one after the other in face of the national forces in great solidarity, with support and assistance provided by friends from near and far. The Cambodian People’s Party, the Front and the Government of the People’s Republic of Kampuchea defended our people’s lives while making efforts to cultivate strong real forces in all sectors and gradually stabilizing living condition that created a favorable condition for the restoration and reconstruction of the country. Within a period of just ten-year time, successes have bridged us away from the most difficult period, while reaching on to expanding and strengthening its revival. It was the real forces of all sectors of the PRK, which was later changed to the State of Cambodia (SoC), that stay as core forces in the process of seeking and implementing a political solution to the problem of Cambodia.

From 1993 through to the present, on the basis of achievements realized in the past 14 years, the people of Cambodia have made further new achievements in all fields reflecting clearly that Cambodia is continuing its march on a correct path. The war has ended whereas the whole territory and people have reunited with a complete peace that was first of all reached through a win-win policy in 1998. National development process has advanced smoothly in accordance with the country’s Constitution. Rule of law, human rights and freedom, and human value have been raised high, whereas democracy and pluralism have taken a deeper root in the Cambodian context. Various fronts of profound state reforms have been underway with fruitful results. Honor and prestige of the country in the international arena have also been promoted whereas the country has been fully integrated into international community in regional, sub-regional and world levels. In the spirit of supreme national pride, CPP wishes to join in great pleasure with the Royal Government and people of Cambodia for having successfully registered Preah Vihear Temple in the list of World Heritages in 2008, and the fact that Cambodia is taking its stand as a nation of equal rights and footing with others, as well as making good cooperation within the region and the world.

As far as socio-economic development is concerned, under wise leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Royal Government of Cambodia implemented with successes the Triangular Strategy, the Rectangular Strategy – Phase I, and is in progress of implementing the Rectangular Strategy – Phase II. On this basis, from 1998 though to 2008, national economy had achieved high growth in gradual order. Stable macroeconomics has been guaranteed, whereas national reserve capital also regularly grew. Construction of physical infrastructures have been promoted determinedly, while the rate of poverty has been reduced to 30%, as we have achieved a one-percent per-annum reduction, coupling with increased care being given for people’s wellbeing. Particularly, in 2009, because of impacts from world financial crisis and economic downturn, national economic achievement has slowed down but we have been able to achieve positive economic growth. This clearly suggests pace of energetic progress of Cambodian economy aimed at reaching a new phase of development, while uplifting efficiency of the policy for equitable distribution.

Successes that have been achieved in the last 30 years are common achievements of the whole people of Cambodia who have united in making them possible, while doing away concepts and deeds causing internal national rifts shrouded our nation for decades. This clearly affirms that when our people have got correct leadership, strong solidarity and self-confidence, really we would realize our objectives. On this occasion, on behalf of the people of Cambodia, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the international community for their provisions of truthful assistance and cooperation for the people of Cambodia in the course of national salvation from the genocide, seeking for Cambodian peace and reconstruction.

At the same time that we take pride of victory in our hands, we should look to medium and long-term challenges in the march onward as, for instance, a few people have always assigned themselves enemy of the January-7 victory while taking actions that are contrary to principle of democracy and rule of law, in opposition to aspiration of the people, all in the aim of preventing the country’s progress. On other reason, some ill-intent circles have abandoned no harm schemes against Cambodia.

The country’s development, which is currently being fostered on a narrow and externally impacted, fragile economic growth, could not firmly respond to demand of sustainable development at the time that the world financial and economic crisis has yet to cease. Poverty reduction and people’s wellbeing upgrade, good governance, anti-graft actions, and sustainable natural resources maintenance, etc. are major demands which require package of specified actions with high determination and responsibility.

At the same time, hostility generated from some neighboring countries in negligence of their people’s aspiration, as well as common regional and world tendencies, would provide no interest to people of both sides but tensions and losses. On other reason the Royal Government should increase further effort in strengthening national defense capability aimed at guaranteeing sovereignty and territorial integrity of the fatherland.

Meeting Participants and Compatriots,

2010 is the second year in implementing of the Royal Government political platform for the fourth legislature of the National Assembly. We all must double our efforts for the guaranteeing of socio-economic development process and poverty reduction among our people. Maintaining peace, stability and national reconciliation, and strengthening of national defense infrastructure continue to be our prioritized objectives.

Beholding firmly the spirit of January-7 victory, CPP continues to implement strictly policy of people solidarity from all political tendencies, strata and circles for the sake of strengthening social harmony and winning further successes for our nation.

CPP supports efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia in urging for successful implementation of the Law on Finance for Management in 2010, which is an important political tool for putting into action the national development strategy, especially the Rectangular Strategy – Phase II, and responding to impacts from world financial and economic crisis on national economy. The law and package of actions to be implemented in all related fields clearly reflect an unbending political will of the Royal Government in maintaining economic growth, public investment promotion, private sector development, improvement of people’s well being, and expansion of people’s participation in development process.

CPP supports draft of the recently adopted anti-graft bill by the Cabinet, which has reflected common wills between state and people aimed at building a Cambodian society of equality, justice, dignity, harmony and progress. We are confident that after adopting the law by the National Assembly, mechanisms would be strengthened and promoted for guaranteeing efficient implementation in response to urgent demand of our people.

CPP offers its support to the current process of the Extra Ordinary Chamber in the Court of Cambodia in trying crimes committed by senior leaders of the Democratic Kampuchea regime. Concurrently we oppose attempts for using the Chamber for ill intention with impact on peace, national reconciliation and development, which have been our hard-won achievements. CPP highly appreciates results from border demarcation efforts with Vietnam and Laos, while continues to fully support the process of completing border pole mounting for the sake of leaving them as historical inheritance for Khmer generations to come. The Party strongly condemns circles that neglect national interest while bringing about actions aimed at preventing the above efforts. The Party also supports positions taken by the Royal Government of Cambodia in practice of diplomatic relations and border issue resolution with Thailand by peaceful means, in spirit of good neighborliness aimed at building a border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

CPP would like to vehemently declare once again its support for Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen as its premiership candidate for coming terms.

Meeting Participants and Compatriots,

Stemmed from January-7 victory, in the past 31 years, Cambodia has marched onward always though many flexibilities required to overcome numerous obstacles and hardships. Our nation has ceased a time in history that is full of internal conflicts, wars, tragedy, and the state of being invaded and underrated. We have got out this darkness, which actually gave us valuable lessons and experiences. Currently, the Cambodian people - as family, community and society - are living in harmony, while making physical and spiritual efforts to continue to build and defend for a brilliant future of the fatherland.

On this occasion, in the name of Samdech Akka Moha Punnhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and in my behalf, I would like to express my respect and gratitude to our people from all walks of life for their provision of wide ranging and firmer supports for the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party, making it capable in implementing mission of serving our people’s final reaches of independence, peace, neutrality, democracy and social progress.

I also would like to take this opportune moment to convey my deepest sentiment of respect for soldiers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and National Police who have been on duties to defend our nation heroically in area of Preah Vihear and other fronts, both land and sea, of our fatherland. I would also urge our Party officials and committees at all levels to hold tightly onto the spirit of January-7 victory and intermingle themselves with our people, strengthen solidarity, internal unity, and at the same time regularly improve virtue and capacity so as to realize tasks, while avoiding totally from wrong actions with negative impacts on national and people’s interests.

Finally, I would like to express my deep thanks to and wish Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Gentlemen, honored national and international guests, members of the meeting and compatriots from all over the country the four Buddhist blessings.

Phnom Penh Municipality marks its 575th anniversary here on Dec. 30 under the presidency of its Governor H.E. Kep Chutema with the participation of State civil servants, Buddhist monks, students and Phnom Penh residents.

On the occasion, the governor revealed about the history of Phnom Penh that was inscribed in pages of Khmer national historic royal record since early 15th century, which in consideration of present time, Phnom Penh is 575 year olds.

On the occasion, Cambodian premier warned private companies not to overload transport as it causes road and bridge damage and suggested that if any companies still abuse the law, those companies must be shut down and stopped.

Premier Techo Hun Sen also called on related ministries and institutions to enforce traffic regulations.

On the occasion, Cambodian premier told Vietnamese investors that Cambodia widely opens its economy on all fields for investment including banking, insurance and telecommunication regardless Cambodian or foreign investors, in which, he added, generally many countries in the world do not allow foreign investors to hold 100% of investment without shareholder of national investors.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance sign an agreement on grant aid concession loan for three projects with the total amount of USD 65.2 million with Mr. Putu Kamayana, ADB president to Cambodia on Dec. 26 in Siem Reap province.

Cambodian Information Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith together with his wife and the ministry officials meets here yesterday during a get-together with 204 Information Ministry’s retired officials and distributed donations to them with 30 kg of rice, 100,000 Riel (Cambodian Currency) roughly 25 US$ for each retiree and other materials.

About CPP Party

Cambodian People's Party.
The strongest Cambodian political party in Cambodia. CPP is the only party that liberated Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge Genocide in January 7, 1979. CPP is working with local partners and international community to ensure stability, peace, human rights, democracy and the rule of law to the country and its people. Thanks for you support! Please write to us at: cppparty@gmail.com.